Teen Fiction Tuesday: Three Wishes

Three Wishes, by Isabelle Merlin

Published by: Random House Australia
Pages: 326
Reading Level: 14 and up
Enjoyment Level: Medium

I always hate when I get a review request and it takes me a while to read the book. I also hate it when it takes me so long because the story is slow. Three Wishes is one of those books that takes forever for the first half and then no time at all for the second half, so it seems uneven, even though the last part is pretty exciting.

In Three Wishes, Rose is swept away into a fabulous life of wealth when her long-lost grandfather makes contact with her. She moves from her home in Australia to her grandfather’s chateau in France, where she finds out there are secrets in her family. Curses, witches, and people with grudges lurk around just about every corner. Her wishes come true, but there’s always a price with wishes.

The author has done a lot to connect her story to her readers. She’s set up a blog where reader can interact and follow along with Rose’s tale. The only problem with that was the distracting way Rose let her audience know there was a new blog entry. In the middle of the book’s text would be a rose, indicating that readers could visit the blog and see what the entry is. Instead of counting on the audience to figure it out, it was spoon-fed.

But once the conflict really got going and there was a mystery to solve, even the roses didn’t bother me too much. I did get sucked in and I wanted to know what all the answers were. I just wish it hadn’t taken so long to get to the best stuff. It almost felt like there were more words to get through in the first half.

The characters were the best element of the book. Rose, her grandfather, and his employees all felt very real. The author built a cast that complemented each other well and worked together with the plot to bring about the exciting second half and a good conclusion.

Three Wishes is a nice little mystery for teens despite the slow beginning. Rose is easy to relate to and the mystery element is well done. There’s even a hint of the supernatural thrown in to add a slight fantasy element. And although I didn’t take to it right away, I’m happy to have the opportunity to read.

Until next time, go read something good!

~ Vilate

Middle Grade Monday: IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES

Author: Lisa Schroeder
Publisher: Aladdin (2010)
Pages: 208 pages
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years
Source: The Publisher

What do you do when you are 12 years old, and have never been on a real vacation and have never left your small town let alone your home state? Isabel, the main character in Lisa Schroeder’s IT’S RAINING CUPCAKES is facing another summer at home. Her best friend will be away for 3 weeks and her mother has decided to open up a Cupcake Store. However, just before her best friend Sophie leaves for camp she tells Isabel about a baking contest where the finalists will be flown to NYC to compete for a $1,000 prize. The challenge to come up with the perfect recipe wouldn’t be that hard if she didn’t have to worry about disappointing her mother if she turned in something other than a cupcake recipe.

Lisa Schroeder’s new Middle Grade novel IT’S RAINING CUPCAKES is the perfect pick me up and a great alternative to the high caloric snack in which it references. You get all of the feel good fun without the added calories. As I dove into the story, I found myself loving the chapter titles which referenced various cupcake flavors. Really, who can resist reading a chapter entitled “Red Velvet Cupcakes” or one called “Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes”?! However, despite all the fun that cupcakes evoke, Schroeder provides her protagonist with typical challenges – a best friend who apparently is good at everything, a mom that she doesn’t always see eye to eye with, and a few bumps in the road when Isabel decides to enter a baking contest.

Aside from the wonderful chapter titles, there were quite a few things I appreciated about this book. First, it is perfectly written for reluctant readers (albeit reluctant girl readers). The story reads easily and there was never a point where I wished for pages to be eliminated or felt I wanted to just scan it. It was the perfect length and I was satisfied when I reached the end. Second, the main character is some one elementary girls will relate with. Her life isn’t perfect and she doesn’t always get what she wants but the story is positive and hopeful and helps girls see what they can accomplish when they put their mind to it. Third, there are many positive adult role-models in this story and a wonderful sense of community. In a society where most stories ridicule adults, or have them missing from the story altogether, it is refreshing to see positive (though with some flaws) adults who are present. Finally, it was just plain enjoyable. The bring a smile to your face kind of enjoyable.

When I think about trying to rate a book like IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES, I can't help but think of Karla. I know Karla is a name and not a numerical rating system, but if you knew Karla you would get it. Karla is sixth grader that I adore. I know I shouldn’t have favorites but secretly I do, and Karla is one of them. She is a sweet kid with a smile that warms you all over, and who is coming into her own as a reader. She enjoys books with female main characters who face struggles but persevere and overcome their situations. This is her kind of book and I know just who I will be sharing the book with next.

On an aside, tomorrow is Dr. Seuss’ birthday, go celebrate with some green eggs & ham and share a book with a child.

- Aly

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas & Brand-New Colors

Author: Chris Barton
Illustrator: Tony Persiani
Publisher: Charlesbridge (2009)
Pages: 44
Ages: Grades 2nd to 5th

Chris Barton’s words and Tony Persiani’s sketches bring to vivid life the story Bob and Joe Switzer. You may be wondering who are the Switzer brothers and why should I care?

“You can thank Bob and Joe Switzer for those shocking greens, blazing oranges, and screaming yellows. The brothers invented a whole new kind of color – one that glowed with an extra-special intensity. It took them years of experimenting, but their efforts paid off brilliantly. Day-Glo colors helped win a war, save people’s lives, and brighten everyday life – including this book.” (Taken from the inside flap of the book)


In an effort to increase my awareness of all the great non-fiction picture books out there, I decided to start with reading the ALA Robert F. Sibert Medal winner and honor books. Though Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream is a wonderful book, my personal favorite is one of the Sibert Honor Books which I have decided to review here.

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors is eye-catching. Neon orange, green, and yellow colors jump off of the glossy black cover begging to be read. And read I did. Bob and Joe were born just prior to World War I. During the 1930’s, Joe (the younger brother) began playing with color and spotlights as part of his magic act. At this time, Bob who had planned to become a doctor suffered a serious injury which ended his professional dreams. With Bob recuperating at home, and Joe researching his ideas on fluorescence, a partnership was ignited. The remainder of the story follows the brothers through several decades and many attempts to perfect “Day-Glo” colors. The book also tells the reader the various ways that Day-Glo colors have been instrumental in daily life.

Non-fiction picture books can be a challenge. How do you present accurate information in a fun manner that won’t make the reader think that he or she is reading the encyclopedia? Do you use photographs, paintings, sketches to illustrate the work? Barton and Persiani have found a wonderful balance in The Day-Glo Brothers. The story reads well and has a wonderful balance between fact and humor. Persiani’s illustrations have a vintage cartoon quality to them which fit well with the era of the book and the topic. Additionally, the book begins with primarily shades of white, black, and gray with touches of fluorescent highlights. In following along with the discoveries made by the brothers, the neon colors grow in intensity and size until at one point the two page picture spread pops completely with the rich fluorescent colors.

If you are looking to expand your picture book collection to include non-fiction picture books, I would highly recommend this as part of your personal library. Also, from experience, I also know that children love this book and enjoy the illustrations as the story is being read aloud in class.

Hope your students enjoy this as much as mine did!
- Aly

Three Viewpoint Thursdays: Eighth Grade Bites

Welcome to a great day on the blog! It's time for a new feature, and what a great way to start us off!

It's Three Viewpoint Thursday, where three of us at YA Lit Review sit down and chat about one book. Sort of like a bookclub meeting online. For the first one, Aly, Renee and I chatted about the first book in Heather Brewer's Chronicles of Vladimir Tod.

Eighth Grade Bites follows Vladimir Tod as he starts to learn about his vampirish past, and we look to the future of the series as he discovers things he might not want to know. It's an amazing series for boys and other reluctant readers, as well as anyone who enjoys a good vampire tale.

Vilate: to start off...

Vilate: Did you like or dislike the book?

Aly: I really liked the story... It was easy to get into and I really liked the characters.

Renee: I liked it, but I didn't LOVE it. I usually prefer a little more focus on romance/teenage hormones, but the plot was very enjoyable!

Vilate: I enjoyed it, myself. I liked that it was short and had action and humor in it. I thought it was all well thought out. Even the ending was good, and I'm usually a little disappointed in endings!

Renee: I thought it was very funny, without being crude or offensive, and the dialogue sounded very realistic.

Aly: I think we need to remember that the first one Vlad is in 8th grade and I expect that as the books proceed you will get more hormones and possible romance.

Renee: I think so too... I think I will continue with the series, even if it is a little outside what I usually go for. I really fell for some of the characters.

Aly: I also liked many of the characters and I liked that the adults weren't all portrayed as terrible. The Aunt, Mr. Otis, etc.

Vilate: So true! I don't like books that portray adults as bad, as much as I dislike books that make them to be all great. Vladimir Tod seems to strike a good balance with all of the characters.

Renee: I also liked that the adults were not just people in the background who kept interfering with the young protagonists, but they helped the cause sometimes and were interesting on their own.

Aly: I also liked the significance of Vlad's parents' death in his life and that he had a good relationship with them. What do you think of how she did with establishing her "world" in the first book... I wasn't sure if I had too many questions I still wanted answered or if it was okay since she (author) had 4 more books planned in her mind???!!!

Vilate: The world felt very realistic. I think there are still lots of questions I have, but I wasn't unsatisfied with the world. I thought it worked to give the story some good ground.

Renee: Same here. It had a kind of "Harry Potter" feel, where I was given what I needed to know for this book, with the promise for more developments and expansion in future novels in the series.

Aly: I think when I heard her speak and realized that she had the idea for all 5 books at once then I felt more "at-ease" about the unanswered questions because I realized that she would likely reveal things as she went and probably didn't want to spoil anything.

Vilate: yes! She even told the audience at the signing here that *all* questions will be answered, so no one will wonder about anything. Having her know all five books at the beginning is great. I think that helped her establish the world and make it feel supported and realistic.

Vilate: okay, so going back to characters for a moment, let's talk about Vlad and Henry's relationship. Henry is popular and Vlad is decidedly not. What works and what doesn't for the two of them in terms of their friendship? Why does Henry still like Vlad?

Aly: It is interesting that Henry is the popular one but in some ways Vlad is the power in that relationship. Also, I think Vlad underestimates his abilities or doesn't quite see himself in the right "light" and that his confidence will grow in time. Henry is just kind of a typical 8th grade popular boy in my mind... adds some humor, you want to at times punch him in the arm, but he is loyal and good to have around.

Renee: I think the nice thing about Henry, is that behind the "good looks and charm," he's just an average boy who sometimes says the wrong thing, but is very loyal (as you said) and just wants to be a friend. He isn't painted as a stereotypical attractive jerk, and with Vlad he can just be himself without all the bluster.

Renee: I like that she didn't make him the obvious good looking mean kid.

Vilate: I second that, Renee. I like the interplay of having an unpopular main character and a popular "sidekick." I think it helps show that not all kids are the same and even "popular" kids can identify and enjoy the story, since they aren't all made out to be mean.

Aly: I liked what Heather said at her SoCal signing about writing about what she knew which was being an unpopular kid and I think she nails it well without making Vlad seem like a wimp or whiny. I think if you saw him as a wimp then that would be annoying. However, when you read about him there is something that you connect with.

Aly: Now about the boy interest in the books...that was amazing to me. More than half the audience at Heather Brewer’s signing in Southern California was male. Mostly 8th to 10th graders. And not just geeky boy readers but some definitely more untypical boys for a book signing... what is up with that?

Renee: I think the book was nice, in that was very action-oriented. A lot of books spend a lot of time pontificating and spending a lot of time considering everyone's feelings and thoughts, and while I do think some guys appreciate "thoughts," I think a lot of males (esp. young ones who are not big readers) prefer to see things actually happening.

Aly: I would tend to agree with Renee, as well as it is a boy main character

Vilate: I think it's definitely easier for boys to identify with a male main character, but I also think it's the shorter length of the book as well as a lack of "romance" that helps. There are several things that all work together to make this such a great read for boys. Like the Percy Jackson series. It's got humor, action, vampires, blood, and mystery. A good combo for reluctant readers of either gender.

Aly: I think boys tend to be reluctant readers and so short is a good start, action is always good. Also what surprised me were the adult males that were obviously big fans. So not just adult females who tend to still read this genre.

Vilate: I loved that, at the signing, the boys were all very eager to ask questions and basically declare themselves fans. It's Percy Jackson and Vladimir Tod that are making it okay for them to do that.

Renee: Also, the boys in the story had a lot of "power" and didn't rely on adults (or females - excluding for Vlad's daily blood needs) so it gives male readers a sense of independence and control.

Vilate: Good point! I also think the theme resonates with them a lot. That it's okay to be yourself and it's okay to be different than other people.

Aly: What did people thing about the underground/or alternate vampire "universe"?

Vilate: I love the idea of Elysia. It also reminded me of Harry Potter, but not so much that I felt like it was a trope. It felt natural for the vamps to have their own little world.

Renee: It did have a very magical feel to it, but it also fit very into the real world. I could imagine a place like that existing that we just have no access to or knowledge of. In many ways, it didn't feel very fantastical.

Aly: I liked that the alternate world Elysia wasn't some weird thing but represented more of a typical power base.

Vilate: Okay, any last thoughts?

Aly: To end things for me... I am eager to read on...

Vilate: Me too!! ^_^


It was a fun chat and we look forward to continuing with this! If you'd like to participate, please send an email to us at blogger@yaliteraturereview.com for more information.

Until next time, go read something good!

~ Vilate

Heather Brewer @ Blue Willow Bookshop

Heather Brewer came to Houston and I was lucky enough to see her at my favorite bookstore, Blue Willow Bookshop. (Listen to the interview here.)

I made sure to take a few pictures to share with everyone!

Here's a shot of the amazing crowd. Boys made up about half the audience, which was so awesome to see!

Then Heather read an excerpt from the fourth book in the series, Eleventh Grade Burns. Luckily, it didn't give much away since I haven't gotten that far yet!

One of her minions from Texas made her this lovely shirt! She was very happy to show it off to the audience at Blue Willow.

Sci-Fi Saturdays: The Last Book in the Universe

The Last Book in the Universe, by Rodman Philbrick

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc
Pages: 223
Reading Level: 12 and up
Enjoyment Level: High

This is one book I picked up for myself a couple years ago. Without any thought of reviewing it until recently! We’re doing Sci-Fi Saturdays now, and as I was perusing my bookshelf, I remembered this one, all ready to go.

No one reads anymore, not even Spaz, who can’t use mindprobes like other people can. The world is a dark place after the Big Shake. “Normals” exist outside of Eden, where the improved population has clean air, water, and growing things. Spaz rarely thinks of his troubles until he gets word that his foster sister is dying. Then he crosses dangerous territories, feral people, and a mindfield to help her live.

As “end-of-the-world” books go, this one’s good. Even though it’s an Armageddon sort, it feels much more like an adventure than a post-apocalyptic tale. The characters have run-ins with dangerous people often enough, and there’s a race against time.

The characters feel fleshed out and the author shows the good and bad of both "normal" and "improved" people. Fear is handled in a non-threatening way, though there are plenty of darker characters. They all work together to support the plot and the adventure.

I can’t even really think of any real criticisms, other than I wish there could be a sequel. There were elements left hanging. Those didn’t ruin the story at all, but I’m curious enough to want the tale to continue.

Teachers, this is a great one for class discussion and activities. The characters and plot are full of interesting details and the ending is left for children to imagine (or hope) what might happen to everyone. Of course, it gets high recommendations from me for anyone, whether they be teachers, students, or just interested readers.

So, until next time, go read something good!

~ Vilate

Middle Grade Mondays: THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS

Author: Jacqueline Houtman
Publisher: Front Street Press
Pages: 192
Grade Level: Ages 9 to 12 years


In selecting books for the 2010 Debut Author Reading Challenge hosted by The Story Siren (Kristi), I discovered Jacqueline Houtman’s THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS. Houtman’s debut novel is about Edison “Eddy” Thomas, a middle school student, who loves to tinker with inventions but struggles to understand innuendos of those around him. From this, I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Edison Thomas to review.

The story opens with Eddy, as he prefers to be called, at his school’s science fair. Quickly, the reader learns that Eddy is not your typical middle schooler. He knows the scientific names of what seems like everything as well as recites the elements on the periodic table to calm himself. Each chapter also contains facts from the “Random Access Memory of Edison Thomas” which are unusual facts that connect in some manner with the chapter. The random facts were probably one of my favorite things in the book.

When Eddy comes in third in the Science Fair, he cannot imagine how he did not win first place. Even though his third place win has earned him a spot as an alternate to the Regional Science Fair, he is extremely disappointed. He was hoping to have a more secure spot in competing at the Regionals. Next day at school, Eddy discovers that the crossing guard for the elementary and middle school is losing his job due to budget cuts. This greatly upsets Eddy and he decides to apply his skills as an inventor to coming up with a way to alert cars to slow down thus preventing potential disasters.

As I read through the story of Eddy, I found myself really becoming quite enamored by this quirky student and his friends particularly Justin, an academically gifted student that befriends him. Houtman does a remarkable job at portraying Eddy, who likely has Asperger’s Syndrome though this is never specifically identified in the story. She captures Eddy’s struggle to understand facial expressions, deal with sensory information, and social situations. This is often showcased through both his misunderstanding of the actions of one of the popular students who seems to enjoy ridiculing Eddy, and in his lack of responses to the social initiations of several other students. The story has a satisfying ending as Eddy learns many lessons about friendship, standing up for himself, and even what he may have in common with Thomas Edison.

When I read a book that is intended for middle grade readers (grades 4th to 7th), I attempt to read the story in two ways. First, how will students in these grade levels receive the book. Who is the story geared for and will the specific audience be attracted to it? Next, I think about how the story may or may not be used in a classroom, or be a resource to parents and teachers. On the first point, I believe that students particularly on the upper age range of middle grade readers are the ones who will best relate to Eddy. This is in part due to the vast amount of scientific references and language in the story, and some younger readers may be overwhelmed by the vocabulary. However, since bullying and struggling with friendships is very much part of the school experience for most children, all readers will relate well to this element of the story. Second, as an adult reader and educator, I can see the story being used to discuss issues regarding social struggles, differences, and finding solutions to your problems.

The one thing that I was slightly disappointed in was that despite a beautiful job of describing Eddy’s learning issues, there were never any references to Asperger’s or Autism and that aside from the Coach at the school most of the adults, including his parents, seemed somewhat unaware of his unique learning needs. I recognize that I may be more sensitive to this than the average reader since I have worked for many years in a school where there are students who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger’s) and may be comparing Eddy’s parents and school personnel to those that work with me on a regular basis.

All in all, I think this is an enjoyable debut novel by Jacqueline Houtman and I am very thankful for the opportunity to review the story and to become acquainted with Eddy and his friends. I look forward to sharing Eddy’s story with students and teachers as well.

-Aly

Note: THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS is scheduled for release in March 2010; however, Amazon has it available for order and others are beginning to do the same.